Steam-meter.



J. M. SPITZGLASS.

STEAM METER.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 16. 1911.

Patented Feb.9, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 "HE NORRIS PETERS CO, PHOTQ-LIIHQ. WASHING TON D. C

J. M. SPITZGLASS STEAM METER...

APPLICATION FILED 0m. 16, 1911.

1,127,692. Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

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THE NORRIS PETERS CO. PHOmLlTHQ. WASHINGTON. 11 1:

172m Jaw ZZ i Price.

JACOB ,M. SPITZGLASS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

STEAM-METER.

Application filed October 16, 1911.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JACOB M. SPITZGLASS,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and htate of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steam-Meters, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates more particularly to that class of steam meters which depends for its operation upon the displacement or elevation of acolumn of fluid by the dynamic force of the steam, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a simple, convenient apparatus of the class described for indicating the instantaneous flow of steam through a pipe of any diameter.

F or the attainment of these ends and the accomplishi'nent of other new and useful objects, as will appear, the invention consists in the features of novelty in the construction, combination and arrangement of the several parts generally shown in the ac companving drawings, and described in the specification, but more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional view in elevation of a steam meter constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view on the line of Fig. 3; Fig. 3 is a section ele ation taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 1 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view taken through the nut This meter consists essentially of a water gage fitted in special gage holders. These holders are constructed so that water of condensati on will collect in the gages, the height of the water column being a direct measure of the weight of steam flowing in the pipe to which the apparatus is connected.

This in ention presents a construction in which both the static and the dvnamic tubes are inserted in the steam pipe through a single opening.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the reference numeral designates generally a steam pipe or conduit to which this steam meter may be attached. A plug member 11 is formed with an externally threaded portion 12 which is adapted to be inserted through the wall of a steam pipe. and the interior of the plug member is formed with a recess or a central chamber 13. This chamber is formed with a Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

Serial No. 654,957.

shoulder 14%, and opening from the end of the chamber, is a passage 15. This passage 15 is preferably formed with a bend (see F 2) in which there is disposed a valve pin 16, and extending laterally from the valve pin 16 is a continuation 17 of the pas sage 15. Extending laterally from the chamber 13 is a passage 18 in which there is disposed a. valve pin19. Extending from the valve pin opening, is a continuation 20 of the passage 18..

Extending below the chamber 13 and opening from the end of the plug 11 is a passage 21 which turns upwardly beyond the chamber 13 (see Fig. 3), and is provided with a valve pin 22 which closes communication between the passage 21 and a passage 23 extending laterally from the pin. These valve pins 16, 19 and 22 may be of any desired or suitable form, such for example, as shown in the drawings, and are provided with suitable packing members to prevent the escape of steam through the stem opening. It will be evident that there are three of these passage closing pins, preferably disposed at the top of the plug member and on both sides thereof.

Disposed within the chamber 13 is a member 25'; which is adapted to substantially fill the chamber, and is provided with a central opening 25 which registers with the passage 15, and a passage 26 disposed about the central opening 25 and having communication with a circular transversely extending groove 27. Positioned in the end of this member 24 is a tube 28 which will be hereafter referred to as the dynamic tube. This tube is preferably formed with alined projections 29 which are formed with openings communicating with the interior of the tube. This tube is disposed in a steam conduit 10 so that the openings in the projections 29, will receive the, direct impact of the steam as it flows in the conduit. Connected with the passage 26 in the member 24 is a second tube 30 which will be hereafter referred to as the static tube. This tube is preferably formed with a flattened and rounded end 31 which is disposed adjacent the end of thedynamic tube 28 where it enters the member 2a. The static tube 30 is formed with openings 32 which may be disposed in any desired way in the shell of the tube, but are not positioned so that the direct impact of the steam will strike the openings in the static tube. These tubes 28 and 30 are preferably held in position by their connection with the member 24, and the member 24 is held in position in the plug member 11 by means of the locking nut 33 which is threaded in the end of the plug member. Packing material 34 may be placed at the inner end of the member 24 to prevent the escape of steam. It will be evident that the static and dynamic tubes are both inserted in the steam conduit through a single opening, and are held by and have communicating passages in the plug member 11. Furthermore, a separate passage 21 is provided which communicates with the interior of the steam conduit and preferably below the said tubes.

A base member 34 comprising a receptacle in the form of a U-shaped chamber 35, is provided with a laterally extending portion 36 by means of which it may be attached to the plug member 11. Any desired or suitable attaching means, such for example as bolts 37, may be employed, and the contiguous edges of the plug and the base member are preferably formed to retain a packing material 38. The laterally extending portion 36 is provided with passages which are adapted to register with the passages in the plug 11. A passage 39 registers with the passage 17 and extends to the upper end of the chamber 35 which will be hereinafter referred to as the dynamic chamber, for it will be evident that this chamber is directly connected to the dynamic tube 28 in the steam conduit. Disposed above the chamber 35 in the base member is a passageway 40, connected to which is a passage 41 which extends through the lateral extending portion 36 and registers with the passage 23 in the plug member. Disposed between the passage 40 and the upper end of the dynamic chamber 35, is a passage 42 which is connected by means of the laterally extending passage 43 with the passage 20 in the plug member. This passage has connection with the static tube 30' in the steam conduit. The passage 42 is provided with an upwardly extending aperture which opens into the base of the passage 40.

It is evident that the upper end of the dynamic chamber 35 is connected to the dynamic tube in the steam pipe. The other end of the dynamic chamber is provided with a threaded nut 45 and with packing 46, which surrounds a sight glass 47. At the upper end of the sight glass there is a top member 48 which is formed with an opening or chamber 49 which will be hereinafter referred to as the static chamber. This top member is also provided with a nut 45 which is adapted to form a guide for the sight glass 47. The outer ends of the nuts 45 are also threaded to receive guard members 50 and 51. These guard members 50 and 51 are formed with interengaging ends 52 and are preferably provided with a slotted portion extending longitudinally thereof, by means of which the height of fluid in the gage glass may be seen. To space the end member 48 and the base 34 apart, a rod 53 is provided at the side adjacent the gage glass, and on the other side, a tube 54 is threaded in an opening 55 in the base member and in the opening at the end of the static chamber 49.

Disposed within the tube 54 is a tube 56, which is preferably threaded in the opening 44 and extends to the top of the tube 54 where it communicates with the static chamber 49. To space the tube 56 in the tube 54 at the top thereof, a guard 57 may be provided which permits free access from within the tube 54 to the chamber 49. If desired, the base of the dynamic chamber 35 may be provided with a removable plug 58 by means of which the water of condensation may be drawn from the chamber.

In operation, the dynamic chamber 35 receives fluid from the condensation of steam within the device, and the fluid of condensation is acted upon by the pressure of the steam in the conduit 10 which is communicated to the interior of the dynamic chamher through the dynamic tube 28, the passages 25, 17 and 39. The height of fluid in the dynamic chamber and which shows upon the gage glass 47, is due to-the difference in pressure in the dynamic chamber and in the static chamber. The static chamber 49 receives pressure of the steam through the static tube 30, the passage 26, groove 27, passages 18, 20, 43, 42 and tube 56. The outer tube 54 is provided so that if any condensation is formed in the static chamher, or comes up through the tube 56. it is directed downwardly through the tube 54, and from the base of this tube by way of the passages 40, 41, 23 and 21 to the interior of the conduit 10. As the tube 54 surrounds the tube 56, it is evident that there will be more condensation in the tube 54, and the pressure of the steam entering through the tube 56 together with the weight of the water of condensation in the outer tube 54, is sufficient to cause a circulation downwardly through this tube 54 and the various passageways into the steam conduit 10 thereby causing the water of condensation to be driven automatically from within the tube 54 into the conduit 10. From this, it will be evident that the static chamber 49 receives the static pressure of the steam as it is in the conduit 10, while the dynamic chamber 35 receives the dynamic pressure of the steam by reason of the disposition of the openings in the dynamic tube 28. The difference in pressure between the two is sufficient to maintain the water of condensation at a certain height in the gage glass 47. which may he graduated or provided with means to indicate the instantaneous rate of flow of steam through the steam pipe or conduit. Isually a chart is provided which is graduated to read in pounds per hour for the range of pressure required. F or any pressure of steam, there is a corresponding position or level of the water column in the gage glass, and if the pressure of the steam remains constant the height of the water in the glass is the same.

It is evident that with this construction, the passages which are formed in the plug member 11., may be closed so that the base member 3% may be entirely removed from the plug member for cleaning, adjustment and the like. Iiurthermore, only one opening through the wall of the steam conduit is necessary thereby reducing the tendency of the meter to become inaccurate by reason of the leakage around the oints and presenting thereby a more compact and efficient device.

What I claim is:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination of a dynamic and a static tube disposed in proximity, the end of the static tube being flattened and curved to extend partially around the other tube.

2. In an apparatus for the purpose described, a dynamic tube for insertion in a steam conduit comprising a cylindrical memher with a closed end and a plurality of openings disposed in line across a conduit and adapted to be turned to cause the said openings to face in the direction from which the steam comes.

In an apparatus for the purpose described, a dynamic tube for insertion in a steam conduit comprising a cvlindrical mem her with a single line of projections having openings therein to communicate with the interior of the member, said openings being all disposed to receive the direct impact of the steam at various points as it flows in the steam conduit.

In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a steam con duit, of a plug inserted through the shell of the conduit, a static tube connected thereto adapted to be inserted in the steam conduit and comprising a cylindrical member flattened at one end and provided with openings which are disposed in a direction other than to receive the direct impact of the steam as it flows in the steam conduit.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination of a dynamic tube and a static tube disposed in proximity, the end of the static tube being flattened and rounded to extend partially around one end of the other tube, a receptacle communicating with the tubes, and means to close said communication with each and both of the tubes.

6. In an apparatus for the purpose described. the combination with a steam conduit with an opening in the shell thereof,

of a plug member inserted through the opening in the shell of the conduit, static and dynamic tubes connected thereto extending into the conduit, and means directly in connection with the plug member to close the tube openings in said member.

7. In an apparatus, for the purpose described, the combination with a steam conduit, of a plug member inserted through the shell of the conduit, having a central chamber and passages leading therefrom, static and dynamic tubes, means to connect the tubes to the plug member and to cause them to communicate with separate passages, and means directly in connection with the plug member only to close the said passages therein.

8. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a steam conduit, of a plug member inserted through the shell of the conduit and having a central chamber and passages leading therefrom, static and dynamic tubes, means to connect the tubes to the said passages comprising a piece fitting the said central. chamber and having a central opening communicating with the dynamic tube, an annular groove at one end and an off-center opening communicating with the static tube and leading to the annular groove in the outer surface of the piece, one of the said passages lead ing to said groove, and means to close said passages.

9. In an apparatus for the purpose described, a plug member adapted to be in serted at one end through the shell of a steam conduit, and provided with a central chamber opening from the said end, with passages extending from the end of the said chamber and from the side thereof, and a separate passage opening through the said end, and means to close each of said passages, the said passages extending to the other end of the said plug member.

10. In a device of the class described, the L combination with a steam conduit of a receptacle forming an enlarger dynamic chamber, of means to admit the dynamic pressure of steam at one end of the chamher, a static chamber having communication with the other end of the dynamic chamber and with the steam conduit and means in connection with the said chamber to indicate the height of fluid therein, the difference in pressure at the ends of said chamber being effective to change the height of the fluid.

11. In a device of the class described, the combination with a steam conduit, of a receptacle having an enlarged condensed steam chamber, with ends spaced apart, a dynamic tube inserted in the steam conduit and having communication with one end of the chamber, a static chamber disposed above said other chamber, means to connect one end of the static chamber With the other end of the chamber in the receptacle, a static tube inserted in the steam conduit, and means to connect the static tube to the other end of the static chamber.

12. In a device of the class described, the combination with a steam conduit, ot' a receptacle having a chamber, With ends spaced apart, a dynamic tube inserted in the steam conduit and having communication with one end of the chamber, a static chamber dis posed above said other chamber, means to connect one end of the static chamber with the other end of the chamber in the receptacie, a static tube inserted in the static conduit, and having communication With the other end oi the static chamber, and means to discharge Water of condensation from the static chamber independently of the other said passages.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with a conduit for steam, of a receptacle for condensed steam, a dynamic and a static tube disposed in the conduit, a static chamber disposed over the said receptacle, means to connect one end of the static chamber With one end of the chamber formed by the receptacle, a tube and a passage to connect the other end of the static chamber with the static tube, a tube surrounding the last named tube, and a passageway communicating therewith and With the said conduit independently of the other passage whereby the Water of condensation formed in the inner tube may be discharged through the outer one into the conduit.

14. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination With a steam pipe, of a static chamber, a dynamic chamber, means to connect one end of each of the chambers to each other, means to connect the free end of the static chamber to a steam pipe, said means comprising two tubes, one disposed Within the other, and means to connect both tubes separately to the steam pipe, the other end of the dynamic chamber being also provided with means to connect it to the steam pipe.

15. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination With a steam pipe of a plug member inserted in an opening therein, a base member secured to the plug member, and comprising a U-shaped chamber, a passage above the chamber at one end, and a second passage intermediate the chamber and said passage and having an opening into the latter, the said plug member being provided With passages which register with the said passages and the end of the said chamber in the base member, a top member forming a static chamber With ends spaced apart, a sight glass to connect one end of the static chamber With the other end of the U-shaped chamber, means to secure the glass in position, a tube to connect the other end of the static chamber with the first mentioned passage in the base member, a second tube Within the first Which is secured i n the opening into the first mentioned passage, a dynamic tube and a static tube extending into the steam pipe, the former having communication With the chamber in the base member, and the latter with the static chamber through the said second tube, the passage in the plug member registering with the first named passage discharging into the steam pipe, and means in the plug member to close the said passages therein.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination With a steam conduit having an opening in the shell thereof, of a plug member inserted through the opening in the shell, a receptacle having a liquid containing chamber and adapted to be removably secured to the plug, static and dynamic tubes extending into the conduit and connected in the plug member With separate openings therethrough connecting with the said chamber, and means directly in connec tion With the plug member to close the openings from said tubes into the chamber whereby the receptacle may be removed from the plug When the means are closed to prevent the escape of steam from the conduit.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses, on this lath day of October A. D. 1911.

JACOB M. SPITZGLASS. WVitnesses:

CHARLES H. SEEM,

Fnancis A. Hornixs.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Iatents, Washington, D. C. 

